Major pothole problems in Bedford Township

March 30, 2011 8:18:22 AM PDT

A bad winter and a tight budget are leading to major trouble on Bedford Township, Michigan roads. Potholes are everywhere, and the township supervisor says they're more than a nuisance. They're downright dangerous.The ones on Samaria Road are more like craters than potholes. A drive on Rouch or Jackman roads is enough to bounce around even a big boy.

It's costing drivers big bucks. They're busy at Delker's Automotive. Jeff Ball says, "On average we're seeing 10 to 12 per week over the last six weeks or so." That's about a dozen bulging tires, bent rims, and alignments each week. "Price range goes anywhere from $250 to $600 or $700 on higher end vehicles," he says.

Hundreds of frustrated citizens packed Bedford Junior High School's cafeteria Monday night to talk to their state representatives.

Michigan drivers pay 19 cents a gallon tax, but only six cents of that goes to local road commissions, and all the road commissions in the state must divvy it up. That six cents also pays for salting and snow removal.

Bedford Township leaders say they're going to hold five public forums to explore putting a millage in front of voters to pay for road repair. Until then, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Township officials will announce the meeting times and locations later in the week. The goal will be to see what taxpayers are willing to spend and what they expect for the money. They also hope local reps in the state capital will work on changing the way Lansing distributes the gas tax.